Earlier this year, I moved from L.A. to NYC, so 2019 marks the year I’ll be experiencing my first real winter. Thus, as you can probably imagine, all I’ve been thinking about lately is prepping my cold-weather wardrobe. Sure, I’ve seen snow (on vacation!), but this will be the first time I’ve actually lived in a city that drops below 60º for longer than 48 hours.
Naturally, I’ve been asking anyone and everyone who will listen—roommates, friends, fellow Who What Wear editors—to share their favorite winter coats (and other cozy pieces, for that matter) with me. I also recently got some style advice from two of my favorite well-dressed New Yorkers, Ruta Gyvyte and Maddie Greer.
They’ve both braved several “snowpocalypses” in the city without sacrificing their cool style, so I wasn’t about to argue with their six coat recommendations from Bloomingdale’s. (I’m also into the boots they styled them with, but I’ll let you see for yourself.)
Gyvyte’s style is very “downtown cool girl” compared to Greer’s (which leans slightly more polished and vintage-inspired), but Gyvyte doesn’t stick to one coat type. “I love anything from classic long coats to fun puffer jackets!” she tells me, and this one combines the best of both worlds. The faux fur on this otherwise-classic black puffer adds a bit of extra interest that’s sure to win tons of compliments. I also think I’ll copy the chic black-and-white outfit Gyvyte styled it with—it’s so simple, yet very cool and modern.
“One of the reasons I moved to NYC was the seasons,” Greer says. She loves grabbing a coffee at Everyman Espresso in Park Slope and walking along the brownstones to Prospect Park, and this long coat–and–skinny jeans combo seems like just the outfit to do it in. “Every fall, I fill my wardrobe with neutral colors and plaid,” she explains. “I also love wearing my coats a little oversize! Not only does it give you room to layer underneath, but I also feel that it elevates the look.” As someone who’s guilty of wearing mostly black in the winter, this coat will definitely be making it into my cart.
I’ve been seeing robe-style coats everywhere, so I listen up when Gyvyte tells me it’s a must-buy for 2019. She says her favorite elements are the unexpected color and the softness of the fabric (it’s 100% wool). I’m really into the idea of wearing softer shades during the colder months, so pairing this cozy coat with a white T-shirt, white denim, and white combat boots is definitely a look I’ll be trying out ASAP.
I know white-and-black outfits must really be a thing when I see that Greer has styled one as well. When I asked her about this cool cropped puffer, she had this to say: “It’s so comfortable and easy to style, but it does the job for keeping me warm!” As that last detail is super important to someone not used to colder temps (i.e., me!), I’ll need no further convincing. The pop of cozy white shearling on her cold-weather boots ties this look together seamlessly.
Just when I think puffer jackets are meant for more casual outfits, Gyvyte proves that adding a slip skirt can make for a super-sophisticated look. “I love the length and the bow detail. It makes this jacket super fun!” she tells me when I ask her why she chose this particular puffer. Her other important advice? “I always tell people to get heat-tech leggings and fitted T-shirts to wear under the rest of your clothes. It’s truly life-saving!” she shares. Duly noted.
Greer reminds me that it rains a lot in New York, so a weather-appropriate Barbour jacket should be on my shopping list. “I love all the pockets and gold details on this one,” she says. I ask her about her shoe choice after noticing she’s wearing a different color of the same combat boots—another huge shoe trend to get behind immediately, according to Greer. “The Marc Fisher pair I styled with my looks is the perfect shoe to transition from fall to winter,” she adds. If I take anything away from my chat with these two stylish NYC girls, it’s that puffers, parkas, wool coats, and combat boots are non-negotiable this season. Now if I could just find a decent umbrella.
